Youth ages 14-16 can now apply for our paid summer program. Dates are June 3-July 11, 2019 and includes career exploration, enrichment activities, and field trips; as well as meals & transportation for eligible youth.

Based at the Nashville Public Library, NAZA’s mission is to strengthen free, high-quality expanded learning opportunities that prepare Nashville public school students to succeed in middle school and beyond.

Our Vision

NAZA’s vision is to expand Nashville’s network and capacity of youth service providers and help them create nurturing environments where youth feel socially and emotionally safe, where positive youth development principles prevail, and where learning is fun and engaging. We create an out-of-school-time culture where youth develop their full potential and feel empowered to learn about themselves and engage in their communities.

NAZA on Twitter

NAZA SummerZone/Opportunity NOW new hire orientation at Hunters Lane High School tonight is canceled due to MNPS canceling all afterschool activities. Students who RSVP'd should check their email for new dates.

Have you applied for NAZA SummerZone yet? If you're 14-16 years old, you'll get paid $8/hour for enrolling in a career pathway and completing a final project. Apply at https://t.co/FXrAe4HRX9 #nazanashville #nowatnpl @mnps @MetroNashville @NowatNPL @NashvilleON @MyFutureMyWay

TESTIMONIAL

NAZA keeps youth engaged by allowing them to learn, create, and have fun! Youth learned relationship-building and team building. They also learned conflict resolution and matured as they started to handle conflict on their own. The program allowed them to think outside the box. I was so impressed by what they were able to accomplish!

Tocarra C., Site Director, John Overton High School

2018-09-24T13:15:18-05:00

Tocarra C., Site Director, John Overton High School

NAZA keeps youth engaged by allowing them to learn, create, and have fun! Youth learned relationship-building and team building. They also learned conflict resolution and matured as they started to handle conflict on their own. The program allowed them to think outside the box. I was so impressed by what they were able to accomplish!

I believe NAZA is important for our youth the help them discover new talents, career choices, and develop a sense of responsibility. NAZA allows youth to make mistakes in a safe atmosphere, allowing room for growth and healthy criticism of their work.

Jordan F., Teacher, Glencliff High School

2018-09-24T13:15:48-05:00

Jordan F., Teacher, Glencliff High School

I believe NAZA is important for our youth the help them discover new talents, career choices, and develop a sense of responsibility. NAZA allows youth to make mistakes in a safe atmosphere, allowing room for growth and healthy criticism of their work.

NAZA prepares youth for real life through project-based learning. They pick up communication, organization, teamwork and time management skills that may not otherwise be addressed. While some parents teach these skills, the program explicitly outlines them to create an equal opportunity to youth.

Brandon S., Near Peer Coach, John Overton High School

2018-09-24T13:16:06-05:00

Brandon S., Near Peer Coach, John Overton High School

NAZA prepares youth for real life through project-based learning. They pick up communication, organization, teamwork and time management skills that may not otherwise be addressed. While some parents teach these skills, the program explicitly outlines them to create an equal opportunity to youth.

NAZA helps youth understand responsibility and being with people who are different from them. They get to know each other and to talk about themselves. They develop empathy while learning to collaborate with others. They get to be creative while problem solving.

Natalie B., Teacher, Hunters Lane High School

2018-09-24T13:16:30-05:00

Natalie B., Teacher, Hunters Lane High School

NAZA helps youth understand responsibility and being with people who are different from them. They get to know each other and to talk about themselves. They develop empathy while learning to collaborate with others. They get to be creative while problem solving.

NAZA teaches youth interpersonal skills, appreciation of art, empathy, and understanding of different cultures. It encourages them to follow their dreams, but with solid real world experience to chase down those dreams.

Galen F., Teacher, John Overton High School

2018-09-24T13:16:54-05:00

Galen F., Teacher, John Overton High School

NAZA teaches youth interpersonal skills, appreciation of art, empathy, and understanding of different cultures. It encourages them to follow their dreams, but with solid real world experience to chase down those dreams.